Chicago House Music Legend Frankie Knuckles Dead at 59

[moe.ron]

A Chicago DJ and producer known at the godfather of house music passed away Monday, sources tell NBC 5.

It's not clear how Knuckles died, but a statement is expected to be made on Tuesday.

Knuckles, 59, still lived in Chicago and is widely credited with helping to define the post-disco sound that came to be known as house music.

Knuckles was born in New York City but later moved to Chicago where he made his musical mark.

He was the musical director of pioneering South Loop nightclub The Warehouse, believed to the birthplace of modern house music, and where the genre got its name. It was there that Knuckles first started experimenting with mixing disco and European electronic tracks.

Jefferson Street between Monroe and Van Buren was named honorary "The Godfather of House Music" Frankie Knuckles Way" in 2004, right around the corner from where The Warehouse stood.

Like many house music DJs, Knuckles' influence may have been bigger in Europe than on American soil. On Saturday, he was a featured performer at London’s Ministry Of Sound club.

Several local and international DJs were sharing their memories via Twitter Monday night, including The Roots drummer Questlove who tweeted, "Frankie Knuckles was so under-appreciated. he was the dj that dj's aspired to be. true dance pioneer."

RIP to the Godfather of House

[Sen's Revenge]

Terrible news!